The 2022/23 Championship fixtures were released today (June 23) and Birmingham City and West Brom can now start planning for their respective opening day games at the end of July.
Birmingham travel to Luton Town and will be hoping for a similar outcome to last year’s trip to Kenilworth Road which saw them thump the Hatters 5-0.
Albion on the other hand will head to the North East to take on one of the Championship’s fancied teams, Middlesbrough, in what is sure to provide an early marker for the season ahead.
The two Birmingham teams couldn’t be further apart in terms of expectation for the campaign ahead.
A constant cloud of uncertainty is leaving Blues fans fearing the worst whilst a Steve Bruce overhaul at the Hawthorns has Albion fans dreaming of a return to the Premier League.
That seems to be the case in the marketplace too, with many bookmakers tipping the complete opposite outcomes in relegation and promotion for the two.
Here’s the latest predicted table following the Championship fixture release and things have got even bleaker for the blue half of Birmingham.
21. Bristol City - 40/1
It's expected to be another season of struggle for Nigel Pearson's side Photo: CameraSport - Rich Linley
22. Reading - 50/1
Paul Ince's side continue to experience issues away from the pitch. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
23. Birmingham City - 50/1
Lee Bowyer came under pressure towards the back end of season following a poor campaign. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
24. Rotherham United - 66/1
The Millers have yo-yoed between the Championship and League One in recent years. Photo: Richard Sellers